Sometime this year (probably in the fall, or winter), I would like to build a semi automatic 7.62x54R with a 16"-20" barrel. So for now, I need to design it. I aready have a few Ideas, but need advice/imput.

First, I need to choose a reciever to build off of. I was thinking about a FPK or PSL reciever since they are already designed to use 7.62x54R, and use 10 rd mags, but I'm open to suggestions.
As long as the reciever can withstand a LOT of shooting (not so much rapid fire, but long shooting sessions), it will work for me. I also prefer them to hold at least 10 rds (fixed mag or removable mag are both fine with me) but it can use less, or more if nessesary.

Second is the barrel. I really want it to be either a 16", 18" or 20" barrel. Will a .308 barrel work, or does it have to be .311? (what exactly is the size of 7.62x54R?)

As for what this gun will be used for, it will mostly be a range gun, but could possibly be used as a SHTF gun if needed. It does not have to be super accurate, but have decent accuracy (it will be mostly a 100-400 yard gun)

Finally, I want this thing to have an old military look to it when it is done.

Any suggestions, tips, criticisms, ect.

One last thing since I will probably be asked this anyway. I want this because I like the idea of it. I want a semi auto 7.62x54R because I like the round, it is cheap to shoot, and I think I can have a lot of fun with it.

I just looked, and at $900, I would just buy either a complete PSL/FPK or a STV-40. I'll have to ask them about getting just the reciever though. Hopefully they wouldn't charge too much for one. I found a few places that have a stripped FPK reciever for $99, so I'll have to look more into both.

if your looking to run cheap surplus a 308 barrel wont be a good choice. if your going to just load your own then yeah a 308 would be ideal because you would have access to a huge amount of bullet choices.

converting from one caliber to another is legal.

an m1 garand is a good choice, beater receivers arent hard to find, as a candidate as they have been converted to a wide variety of other calibers including 458 winchester magnum!!

__________________
"Gun control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound." — L. Neil Smith

The problem with being stupid is you cannot simply decide to stop doing dumb things...

if your looking to run cheap surplus a 308 barrel wont be a good choice. if your going to just load your own then yeah a 308 would be ideal because you would have access to a huge amount of bullet choices.

converting from one caliber to another is legal.

an m1 garand is a good choice, beater receivers arent hard to find, as a candidate as they have been converted to a wide variety of other calibers including 458 winchester magnum!!

Sweet. How exactly do you convert a garand though? Do you have to make a new clip for them? Is that hard with a rimmed cartridge?

Sweet. How exactly do you convert a garand though? Do you have to make a new clip for them? Is that hard with a rimmed cartridge?

i have no earthly idea how you would go about it but i would expect you would need a milling machine lathe and drill press as a minimum.

psl recievers are also good options but your pretty much locked into the psl format. building one up from a kit and receiever would be a good choice as a first advanced project. mating the barrel to reciever is the hard part.

__________________
"Gun control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound." — L. Neil Smith

The problem with being stupid is you cannot simply decide to stop doing dumb things...